Biography

20 October 1956, Harlow, Essex, England. Repeatedly referred to as the guitarists guitarist, Taylor shows an extraordinary flair and natural feel for his instrument that has enabled him to make subtle and profound contributions in a number of different musical styles, and has resulted in a keen and loyal international audience that makes its presence felt on each Taylor tour.

An early starter at the age of four, Taylor was playing his first professional performance (in a Harlow, Essex music shop) at eight, and displaying his genuinely prodigious talent in trad and mainstream bands led by Sonny Dee and Lennie Hastings by 1968. Turning professional at the first opportunity three years later, Taylor spent much of the 70s honing his talents in swing bands and café residencies, and enjoying the occasional opportunity to sit in with and impress visiting Americans, including Count Basie (whom he met on a cruise ship) and...